Most Recommended Posts & Podcasts
These are the posts and episodes of The Art Biz that I find myself sharing most often — the ones that consistently answer the questions artists bring to me in consulting sessions and workshops.
They cover the full range of topics at Art Biz Success: mindset, sales, marketing, exhibitions, and more. If you’re new here, this is a good place to start.
Art world gatekeeping forces artists to compete with Damien Davis (254)
What if the scarcity you’re experiencing isn’t real? Visual artist, educator, and writer Damien Davis exposes the gatekeeping mechanisms—from application fees to institutional approval—that keep artists competing instead of collaborating.
He shares why learning business skills helped him bypass permission structures, redefines what success actually means, and explains why artists talking to each other threatens the people who benefit from keeping you isolated.
The investing artist: art, real estate, and legacy with Mary Erickson (223)
Mary Erickson built a thriving art business with heart, discipline, and financial savvy. I was immediately impressed with Mary’s business savvy, as I know you will be. Her art sales have paid for her lifestyle, which is comfortable and adventurous, but far from extravagant. She is a discerning investor and wise with her finances.
Mary says she paints so that she can buy real estate so that she can collect art by other artists.
Comprehensive guide for writing an effective artist statement (221)
Writing your artist statement can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple steps to help you figure out what to say and how to say it.
You’ll get writing prompts, editing advice, and ideas for how to actually use your artist statement once it’s done. Let’s make it easier—and way less intimidating.
The 4 core beliefs that lead to art business success (216)
There are four core beliefs that guide everything I teach—principles that help artists make better decisions, market more effectively, and build thriving careers.
These aren’t quick tips or passing trends. They are the bedrock of everything I do. They’ve been tested over time, refined through years of working with artists, and proven essential to building a thriving art career.
How to be a guest on The Art Biz (194)
Even if it has never entered your mind to be a guest on The Art Biz or any other podcast, you’ll benefit from learning how to pitch your story.
Craft a compelling pitch with the five steps I outline in this episode: (1) Understand the show, and, related … (2) Do your homework, (3) Get clear about your unique business insights, (4) Prove your speaking skills, and (5) Submit.
Smart strategies for artist income growth with Monique Carr (193)
It’s possible to make more money and find a little more peace of mind by making a few tweaks in how you approach your art business.
In this conversation, Monique shares her income streams, how she uses her email list, and how she was motivated to do a Black Friday sale after working on her money plan with me and noticing that her gallery sales were down for the year.
She knows exactly how much her art income will be every month with Kelly Pelfrey (162)
Kelly Pelfrey’s goal in 2020 was to replace her $50,000 teaching salary, but she quadrupled that. Her income has allowed her husband to leave his job to focus on his doctorate, feel comfortable about taking maternity leave, and save for college for her children.
In this episode of The Art Biz, Kelly shares her income sources, which are dominated by sales of commissions, followed distantly by releases of small paintings.
Play tops work, connection tops solitude, and confidence tops fear with Willie Cole (126)
This is inspiration for when you feel like your art becomes work and there’s little to look forward to.
Willie talks about the faith he has in his practice as a result of being consistent throughout the years, why he prefers to approach his studio in the spirit of play, and how he uses visualization.
Multiply your audience and expand your show’s impact with Jill Powers (27)
Jill Powers is a sculptor and installation artist who creates art around ecological issues. For her major exhibitions Jill creates public events designed to educate, delight, and challenge viewers. She also collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and experts to support and promote her artistic themes.
In this episode, you’ll hear about how she worked with dancers, scientists, and restaurants to expand the reach of the show beyond the walls and pedestals of the galleries.
How much time will your art career take?
Everyone wants to know how much time it will take to do the lessons, make progress, establish yourself. There’s a better question: How much time are you <em<willing to invest.
When you are committed, you don’t care how much time something takes. You’ll find a way to get it done because it becomes a priority.
